MLB notebook: Astros extend manager Hinch through 2022

FAN Editor
MLB: Texas Rangers at Houston Astros
Apr 15, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch walks off the field as he wears patches honoring Jackie Robinson day before the game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

August 31, 2018

The Houston Astros formally announced an extension for manager AJ Hinch on Thursday, putting him under contract through the 2022 season.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but general manager Jeff Luhnow said Hinch is “compensated commensurately with managers who have had success.” Hinch, 44, was in the final guaranteed year of his contract, but his deal had a team option for 2019.

“We’re thrilled to have AJ in the fold for multiple years,” Luhnow said in a statement. “AJ has played a key role in our team success and is one of the most effective managers in baseball. He is aligned with the vision of our front office, has made a great connection with our players, and has earned the respect of everyone in the clubhouse. Looking ahead, our goal is to win multiple championships. AJ is unquestionably the best manager to help us achieve this goal.”

Hinch helped the Astros claim the first World Series title in franchise history last year in his third season leading the team. Entering Thursday’s game at 82-51, Houston already has ensured itself a fourth consecutive winning season under Hinch. His 353-266 record with the Astros currently ranks as the best winning percentage (.570) in team history.

–The Cincinnati Reds activated first baseman Joey Votto from the 10-day disabled list.

Votto was placed on the disabled Aug. 17 with a sore right knee. He had been bothered with the knee injury since being hit by a pitch on Aug. 4. He has appeared in 118 games and has nine home runs with 55 RBIs, while batting .284.

In additional moves, the team optioned outfielder Preston Tucker to Triple-A Louisville, recalled right-handed pitcher Austin Brice from Louisville and placed right-hander Robert Stephenson on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis.

–The Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Twins swapped backup catchers, with Chicago sending Chris Gimenez and a player to be named later or cash to Minnesota for Bobby Wilson.

Wilson, 35, has played 47 games for the Twins this season but is currently on the 10-day disabled list with an ankle injury. He is batting .178 with two homers and 16 RBIs in the majors while hitting .125 with three RBIs in 11 games at the Triple-A level this season.

Gimenez, 35, has played just 12 games for the Cubs this season compared to 68 at the Triple-A level. He’s hit .143 with an RBI in the majors and .204 with two homers and 18 RBIs in the minors.

–The Seattle Mariners acquired utility man Kristopher Negron from the Arizona Diamondbacks for cash considerations.

Negron, 32, was assigned to Triple-A Tacoma by the Mariners.

Negron was 1-for-3 with an RBI in two major league games for Arizona this season. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Reno and batted .283 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs in 118 games.

–Field Level Media

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